More out of curiosity than anthing ?

[Vipersan]

Hi friends ..
I suspect this one might be taken up by our cousins across the pond..
I'm curious regarding the handfull of Digicphr II chanels on 58W in C band ..
There aren't many classed as fta ...but I'm always curious..
I know this is proprietory ScAtl stuff ...but a few channels are broadcast from South America ..as far afield as Europe.
Now I understand that specific set top boxes are produced to receive these in broadcasts in the US ..but what of the transmissions reaching Hispanic countries in Europe ?
Much research has drawn me to a series of faux pci devices ..which connect through USB ..
..made by Genpix (Skywalker) ..
Are these legitmately available outside the USA ..?
In fact are they legitimate to use at all (capable of fta channels only )
I can't find much info about pricing ...or indeed availability outside of the USA ..
These devices are sat dish capable ..as some provide diseqc control..
So Legitimate or not ...available outside the USA or not ..Expensive or not...worthwhile or not ..considering there are so few channels broadcast outside the USA in this non DVB format.
Anyone ?
rgds
VS

 

[starman345]

Much research has drawn me to a series of faux pci devices ..which connect through USB ..
..made by Genpix (Skywalker) ..

I had a Skywalker I a few years ago, it was a very nice unit, does all the fta stuff along with some other exotic modes

Are these legitmately available outside the USA ..?

I can't say for sure, but I think yes. In the various satellite forums people from all over talk about them so they must get around.

n fact are they legitimate to use at all (capable of fta channels only )

I used mine for fta only and it was a really nice unit. The Skywalker I was a USB model, it put out 750ma for lnbf/motor control, most units I've had max out at 450ma. Genpix writes his own drivers and they are solid, I never had any problems. The unit worked with most dvb viewers AND there is a source file for TSREADER!!. I sold it when DVB-S2 came along, the Skywalker I won't do that, thats when the Skywalker II entered the scene.

I can't find much info about pricing ...or indeed availability outside of the USA ..

I had to log into my account on the Genpix site to see the pricing, guess you have to sign up for an account to see the $$. The Skywalker I sells for $210US, Skywalker II is $187US. I think I bought the I version around 2006 and it was a bit over $300 at that time.

These devices are sat dish capable ..as some provide diseqc control..

Indeed they are a very good unit. they do all the things other dvb cards do and they do it very well, firmware is very good. I've been pestering Genpix about availability of Skywalker III for a bit now but it seems to be bogged down. I would like to have one of his units working in CrazyScan.
BTW, concerning DCII, yes the Skywalker I could handle that.. although there is precious little of it over NA.

 

[Vipersan]

My thanks for the in depth reply Starman ..
Indeed there is little I can receive over here in DCII ...and I wonder if its worth it to see such limited material ..
..very few fta ..and what bit I can access is in Cband ..from South America..
If it were possible to get one at a reasonable price ..I would be tempted..
but cost of shipping one from the US ..if indeed they do ship internationally ...might proclude such an investment.
Having said that ..I am as you know ..a sat enthusiast so I wont rule it out.
Please keep me informed as to the progress ..and cost of Skywalker 3
I am curious ...its my nature..
rgds
VS